Indian Defense Industry General News and Updates

See now that Samtel got into their supply chain, this means they will be one of the source of the BTS product and Thales can source quantity as they see availability and fit. Usually quote is sought from every supplier with delivery time and quantity basis. Then if the line is not busy Samtel can get the contract over others should OEM have urgency and/or part of whole cost. End customer info is kept by Thales, not necessarily would be IN or others.
 

Defence Secretary presents report of the Empowered Committee to Raksha Mantri for Capability Enhancement of IAF


DRDO, DPSUs & private sector to work together to achieve the desired goal with enhanced ‘Aatmanirbharta’​

Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 7:34PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh presented the report of the Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the lndian Air Force (IAF) to Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on March 03, 2025. The Committee has identified key thrust areas and made recommendations for implementation in the short, medium and long-term so as to achieve the desired capability enhancement goals of the lAF in an optimal manner.

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The report also underscores the need for impetus to enhance ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in the Aerospace domain with the private sector complementing the effort of DPSUs and DRDO. Raksha Mantri appreciated the work of the Committee and directed that the recommendations one to be followed up in a time bound manner.

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The Committee was formed on the directions of Raksha Mantri to holistically examine all issues and prepare a clear plan of action. It was chaired by the Defence Secretary with the Vice Chief of Air Staff, Secretary (Defence Production), Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, DG Acquisition as members and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff as Member Secretary.
 
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Motherson Becomes Tier 1 Supplier to Airbus Commercial Aircraft

Motherson is an existing Tier 1 supplier for Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Defence and Space.

By Arunima Pal
04 Mar 2025
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Motherson, a global aerospace component and assembly manufacturer, has been selected as a Tier 1 supplier to Airbus commercial aircraft. Through its subsidiary CIM Tools India Pvt. Ltd., Motherson has signed a multi-year contract to manufacture and deliver aerospace components and assemblies directly to Airbus' final assembly lines. The supplies will begin from Motherson’s specialized aerospace facility in Bengaluru, India.

Motherson is already a Tier 1 supplier for Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Defence and Space. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman of Motherson, expressed gratitude to Airbus for the trust placed in the company. He stated that this achievement underscores Motherson’s manufacturing capabilities, quality standards, and commitment to timely delivery. He added that the team remains dedicated to delivering high-quality components and assemblies while strengthening its partnership with Airbus.

Kunal Bajaj, President of Motherson’s Aerospace Business Division, said that the new Tier 1 status is expected to contribute to business growth with Airbus. He highlighted the company’s investments in advanced manufacturing technologies and quality systems to meet the production needs of its global aerospace customers. He added that this recognition reinforces Motherson’s commitment to excellence and its strategic role in the aerospace supply chain.

Motherson’s Aerospace Business Division supplies components and assemblies for the aerospace industry. With 16 facilities across four countries, the division provides critical aerospace components covering all sections of an aircraft.

Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (SAMIL), formerly known as Motherson Sumi Systems Limited, is a global automotive component manufacturer supporting OEMs. Established in 1986 as a joint venture with Sumitomo Wiring Systems, the company was listed on the BSE and NSE in 1993. It operates more than 400 facilities across 44 countries and has diversified into non-automotive sectors, including aerospace, health, and logistics. SAMIL is India’s largest auto ancillary company and ranks among the top 15 global automotive suppliers.

Airbus is a leading global aerospace company specializing in the design, manufacture, and delivery of commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense systems, and space technologies. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, competing primarily with Boeing. Its commercial aircraft division produces popular models such as the A320, A350, and A380. Airbus also operates in defense and space sectors, providing military aircraft, satellites, and cybersecurity solutions.

Motherson Becomes Tier 1 Supplier to Airbus Commercial Aircraft | Autocar Professional
 
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Aerolloy Technologies Secures Major Order from Safran Aircraft Engines for LEAP Engine Cast Components

Lucknow, India, March 28, 2025: Aerolloy Technologies (ATL), a wholly owned subsidiary of PTC Industries Limited, is proud to announce the receipt of a significant order from Safran Aircraft Engines(SAE). This long-term purchase order entails the supply of seven cast aero-engine components ,utilizing both titanium and superalloys, for CFM's advanced LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines.

This collaboration positions Aerolloy Technologies as the only Indian company supplying castcomponents in titanium and superalloys to a world-class aircraft -engine manufacturer. The orderencompasses components for the LEAP-1A for the LEAP-1B engines, reinforcing ATL's expertise inproducing complex, high-quality components for next-generation aero engines.
 
House panel slams HAL 'inefficiencies'

Already facing flak for the huge delay in production of the indigenous Tejas fighters as well as the grounding of the over 330 Dhruv advanced light helicopters for safety checks since a crash on Jan 5, Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) came under fresh ack-ack fire on Thursday in Parliament.
The parliamentary committee on public undertakings slammed HAL for prolonged project timelines, impaired costs, and missed strategic opportunities. “Systemic inefficiencies continue to hinder HAL’s ability to meet operational demands (of the armed forces) effectively,” it said.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh in recent weeks has publicly lashed out at HAL, noting that he was “just not confident” of the defence PSU, which was a “very wrong” thing to happen. The IAF is “very badly off in numbers” and needs to induct at least 40 fighters every year to stay combat ready, he said.

The committee, on its part, stressed the “urgent need” for HAL to transition from a “reactive to a proactive R&D strategy”, ensuring that technological advancements align seamlessly with national defence objectives and market requirements.

While recognizing HAL’s pivotal role in advancing the country’s defence and aerospace capabilities, contributing significantly to indigenous aircraft, helicopters and engine development, the committee said a CAG report of 2023 had highlighted “critical shortcomings” in its project planning, execution, procurement delays and cost overruns.

“The committee firmly believes that rigorous adherence to pre-project processes, enhanced risk assessment mechanisms, and structured stakeholder engagements are essential for HAL to achieve global competitiveness in defence manufacturing,” it said.

Strengthening financial oversight, establishing robust market research frameworks, and ensuring timely compliance with international certification standards is crucial for HAL to position itself as a leading aerospace powerhouse on the global stage.

The committee urged the HAL and defence ministry to implement the recommendations in letter and spirit, ensuring that future projects are executed with greater efficiency, financial prudence, and strategic foresight.

“The success of India’s defence modernization and indigenization efforts will depend not just on technological advancements but on the ability to integrate innovation with effective project management, accountability, and long-term vision. HAL’s progress in these areas will not only strengthen national security but also cement India’s position as a global leader in defence and aerospace manufacturing,” it said.
 
Words of wisdom from Baba Kalyani himself, after winning a contract for 184 ATAGS.
FOUR more gun programmes to go according to him:
1. MGS (Mounted ATAGS)
2. TGS (Bharat-52)
3. 105 mm Mounted Gun (Garuda 105)
4. ???

I'm guessing #4 might be the naval 127mm gun planned as an IDDM product. You'd recall that the IN backed out of the Mk45 gun deal with the US on cost grounds some years back.
 
Do we use any 127 mm gun on any current warship or is it as a future replacement?
Not at the moment, we don't. We would've preferred to buy the Italian Oto Melara 127mm gun. But the parent company Leaonardo was blacklisted following bribery allegations in the AW-101 VVIP helo deal. Raytheon, the only other Western supplier, quoted $1bn for just 13 Mk45 guns before the IN finally decided enough was enough, launching a program for an IDDM 127mm gun.
 
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Prime Minister will visit the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited’s (Solar group) ammunition facility in Nagpur. He will inaugurate the newly built 1250m long and 25m wide airstrip for Unarmed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the live munition and warhead testing facility to test the Loitering Munition and other guided munitions.
 
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some new orders for stallion trucks, armored buses. Interestingly, it also mentions that these platforms will be used under the close-in-weapons systems program, though what they are referring to I don't know
 
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